This monumental vessel is a premier example of American Mid-Century glass design, defined by its commanding flared silhouette and high-contrast color application. The substantial body, rendered in a luminous aqua "seedy" glass, is saturated with captivating air inclusions that create a brilliant, effervescent effect when catching the light. A dramatic cobalt blue glass thread is expertly hand-trailed around the neck in a continuous spiral, culminating in a sharp, sculptural point that exemplifies the bold, experimental aesthetic of the 1970s.
Attribution & Period
By Blenko Glass Company, designed by Don Shepherd, circa 1975. This piece is documented as model #7527 in the 1975 Blenko catalog, representing the debut era of Shepherd’s tenure as design director. The combination of the specific flared form, the signature cobalt blue spiral wrap, and the heavy, seeded glass texture is an unmistakable hallmark of Blenko’s high-design production during this period.
Dimensions & Weight
Height: 11 inches
Width / Diameter: 5 3/8 inches (opening)
Depth / Base Diameter: 4 3/4 inches
Weight: 2.556 lbs
Condition
Excellent vintage condition. The glass has been professionally cleaned to a high-gloss luster and is free of chips, cracks, or surface scratches. The base features a significant, rough-snapped 1 1/4 inch pontil, which is the authentic factory-correct finish for Blenko pieces of this size and era. Characteristic "seedy" bubbles are distributed throughout the aqua body as intended by the designer.
Authenticity & Construction
This is a hand-blown, mold-blown vessel of significant weight, utilizing Blenko’s traditional artisanal methods in Milton, West Virginia. The "7527" form is achieved by blowing the gather into a wooden or metal mold before hand-applying the cobalt blue base ring and the neck spiral. The rough pontil scar on the underside remains unground, serving as a primary identifier for authentic hand-blown American art glass from this manufacturer.
Placement
A cornerstone piece for a Mid-Century Modern or Contemporary collection. Its scale and vibrant colorway make it an ideal centerpiece for a large dining table, a lighted gallery pedestal, or a prominent architectural niche. The play of light through the seeded glass provides a dynamic visual texture that complements both minimalist and maximalist interiors.
STANDARD ATTRIBUTION & VALUE DISCLOSURE
This piece is described to the best of current scholarly and market knowledge. Any maker or regional attribution is based on visual analysis, materials, construction techniques, and documented stylistic comparisons. As with many MCM and antique design objects, definitive attribution may not be possible without original labels or factory records. Pricing reflects condition, quality, decorative appeal, and current collector demand rather than guaranteed maker identification.
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TAGS
blenko glass, don shepherd, american art glass, mid-century modern, blenko 7527, cobalt blue glass, aqua glass vase, seeded glass, seedy glass, hand-blown glass, 1970s design, west virginia glass, sculptural glass, art glass vase, blue spiral vase, collector glass, architectural glass, oversized vase, vintage blenko, modernist glass
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SEO
SEO Title
Blenko 7527 Art Glass Vase by Don Shepherd, Aqua and Cobalt, 1975
SEO Description
Authentic Blenko 7527 vase by Don Shepherd. Features a heavy seeded aqua body with a hand-applied cobalt spiral wrap. A rare 1975 American art glass icon.
Short Curated URL
blenko-7527-don-shepherd-spiral-vase
⸻
ERA BUCKET
Mid-Century Modern (1945–1975)
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PRICING
Maximum Defensible Price (USD): $675
This monumental vessel is a premier example of American Mid-Century glass design, defined by its commanding flared silhouette and high-contrast color application. The substantial body, rendered in a luminous aqua "seedy" glass, is saturated with captivating air inclusions that create a brilliant, effervescent effect when catching the light. A dramatic cobalt blue glass thread is expertly hand-trailed around the neck in a continuous spiral, culminating in a sharp, sculptural point that exemplifies the bold, experimental aesthetic of the 1970s.
Attribution & Period
By Blenko Glass Company, designed by Don Shepherd, circa 1975. This piece is documented as model #7527 in the 1975 Blenko catalog, representing the debut era of Shepherd’s tenure as design director. The combination of the specific flared form, the signature cobalt blue spiral wrap, and the heavy, seeded glass texture is an unmistakable hallmark of Blenko’s high-design production during this period.
Dimensions & Weight
Height: 11 inches
Width / Diameter: 5 3/8 inches (opening)
Depth / Base Diameter: 4 3/4 inches
Weight: 2.556 lbs
Condition
Excellent vintage condition. The glass has been professionally cleaned to a high-gloss luster and is free of chips, cracks, or surface scratches. The base features a significant, rough-snapped 1 1/4 inch pontil, which is the authentic factory-correct finish for Blenko pieces of this size and era. Characteristic "seedy" bubbles are distributed throughout the aqua body as intended by the designer.
Authenticity & Construction
This is a hand-blown, mold-blown vessel of significant weight, utilizing Blenko’s traditional artisanal methods in Milton, West Virginia. The "7527" form is achieved by blowing the gather into a wooden or metal mold before hand-applying the cobalt blue base ring and the neck spiral. The rough pontil scar on the underside remains unground, serving as a primary identifier for authentic hand-blown American art glass from this manufacturer.
Placement
A cornerstone piece for a Mid-Century Modern or Contemporary collection. Its scale and vibrant colorway make it an ideal centerpiece for a large dining table, a lighted gallery pedestal, or a prominent architectural niche. The play of light through the seeded glass provides a dynamic visual texture that complements both minimalist and maximalist interiors.
STANDARD ATTRIBUTION & VALUE DISCLOSURE
This piece is described to the best of current scholarly and market knowledge. Any maker or regional attribution is based on visual analysis, materials, construction techniques, and documented stylistic comparisons. As with many MCM and antique design objects, definitive attribution may not be possible without original labels or factory records. Pricing reflects condition, quality, decorative appeal, and current collector demand rather than guaranteed maker identification.
⸻
TAGS
blenko glass, don shepherd, american art glass, mid-century modern, blenko 7527, cobalt blue glass, aqua glass vase, seeded glass, seedy glass, hand-blown glass, 1970s design, west virginia glass, sculptural glass, art glass vase, blue spiral vase, collector glass, architectural glass, oversized vase, vintage blenko, modernist glass
⸻
SEO
SEO Title
Blenko 7527 Art Glass Vase by Don Shepherd, Aqua and Cobalt, 1975
SEO Description
Authentic Blenko 7527 vase by Don Shepherd. Features a heavy seeded aqua body with a hand-applied cobalt spiral wrap. A rare 1975 American art glass icon.
Short Curated URL
blenko-7527-don-shepherd-spiral-vase
⸻
ERA BUCKET
Mid-Century Modern (1945–1975)
⸻
PRICING
Maximum Defensible Price (USD): $675
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